LEXINGTON, Ky. — Apple trees are approaching bloom and many pear are in full bloom, especially in southwestern Kentucky. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high.
Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire Blight Disease Prediction Model. Growers can assess local risk by selecting their county and orchard history. This model incorporates the previous 4 days of weather data plus adds a 7-day forecast for estimating leaf wetness and temperature (thereby estimating risk for bacterial growth and infection). There are 66 Mesonet weather stations throughout Kentucky, thus, weather information for the model is based on data from the closest weather station. For a mobile (phone or tablet) friendly version of this site, click here.
Remember that apple and pear trees must be in bloom for predictions to be accurate. The map overview presented here indicates fire blight risk as of March 25, 2018 (Figure 1). According to the current assessment, risk is low. A rain event, however, can increase that risk. Growers are encouraged to check the model regularly for the most accurate analyses and county-specific forecasts.
Information regarding prevention and management of fire blight can be found in:
- Commercial Fruit Pest Management Guide (ID-232)
- Backyard Apple Disease Management Using Cultural Practices (PPFS-FR-T-21)
- Fire blight (PPFS-FR-T-12)
- Fire blight of Apple (Video)
Click here to visit the University of Kentucky Pest News blog.
— Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky Extension Specialist and Kimberly Leonberger, Extension Associate
For more news from Kentucky, click here.